Mount Nemrut, also known as Nemrud, is a 2,134-meter (7,001-foot) peak in southeast Turkey that is well-known for the numerous enormous statues that have been placed atop what is thought to be a first-century BC royal tomb. It is among the tallest peaks in the Taurus Mountains' eastern region.The mountain is located close to Adıyaman, 40 kilometers (25 mi) north of Kahta. King Antiochus I of Commagene constructed a tomb-sanctuary on top of the mountain in 62 BC. It was flanked by enormous sculptures of himself, two lions, two eagles, and several composite Greek and Iranian gods, including Heracles-Artagnes-Ares, Zeus-Oromasdes, and Apollo-Mithras-Helios-Hermes, that were 8 to 9 meters (26 to 30 feet) high.In order to revitalize the religion of his ancestral dynasty, Antiochus drew extensively from Parthian and Armenian traditions when creating this pantheon. Originally seated, the statues bore the names of all the gods. The statues are now dispersed over the site after their heads were eventually taken off of their bodies.
It appears from the pattern of damage to the heads—especially to the noses—that iconoclasm caused the harm on purpose. The statues have not been put back where they were. Additionally, stone slabs with bas-relief sculptures that are believed to have constituted a vast frieze are preserved at the site. The Greek and Persian forefathers of Antiochus are portrayed on these stones, or stelae.The site's tumulus, which is 49 meters (161 feet) high and 152 meters (499 feet) in circumference, has the same statues and ancestors that are seen throughout the site. Given that any excavation would soon fill in, it is probable that the tumulus of loose rock was created to keep robbers away from a tomb. The statues' faces seem Greek, but their hair and attire are Persian.
Experience luxury and adventure together as you travel some of Europe's most breathtaking rail routes, passing through well-known tourist spots and taking in stunning landscapes, tunnels, and mountains.
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